Pakistan Out of Key Tournament

Pakistan has officially withdrawn from the upcoming South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Women’s Championship, scheduled to be held in India. The decision was announced by the Pakistan Football Federation, citing ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan. This is not the first instance of Pakistan boycotting tournaments hosted in India, as it had previously skipped events like the Junior Hockey World Cup and the Asia Cup.

Following Pakistan’s exit, the tournament will now be conducted with six teams from May 25 to June 6 in Margao, Goa. The teams have been divided into two groups, with Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan in Group A, while India, Bangladesh, and Maldives form Group B. Despite earlier sporting boycotts, Bangladesh will participate as the defending champion. India, however, holds a dominant record in the tournament, having won five titles in the past.